Changed intake gasket, now it won't start

The gasket was correct FelPro 1213. Its openings were spot on to the intake and exhaust openings on the head and intake.

I needed to pull the distributor because the last two intake bolts also held on a bracket that holds the throttle cable. There are spacers that lift the bracket up but also place the head of the last bolt right under the housing of the distributor. Only way to get it off was to remove the distributor.

When I turn over the engine there is a strong smell of gas. I wonder if something in the carb got messed up? I have tried a quick spay of starting fluid and still nothing.